Reclining chair assembly

ABSTRACT

In a reclining chair having a seat and a backrest and linkage means for moving the seat and backrest between normal upright and inclined reclining positions; a main frame having a generally box-like configuration for supporting while facilitating assembly of the chair. During assembly, the linkage means is cradled in the box-like frame and secured thereto by means of apertures preformed in the side walls of the frame to be aligned with specific fastening areas on the linkage means. To facilitate such alignment of the apertures as well as to support the linkage in the frame during securement thereto, a plurality of abutments are formed on the inner sides of the frame side walls for receiving and accurately locating the linkage during assembly. The arm rests for the chair are mounted to the opposite sides of the frame by means of a second set of preformed apertures in the side walls of the frame adapted to be aligned with preformed apetures in the arm rests. To accommodate a swivel assembly, the frame is provided with a horizontal bottom wall extending between the side walls for securing the swivel thereto. At least one opening is provided in the bottom wall to provide access to the frame side walls and the linkage during assembly. In the event a swivel is not desired, the chair may be supported on the ground either through the main frame or through glide members formed on the undersides of the arm rests. Preferably, the frame is formed with an integral molded plastic construction, however, a wood construction may be employed if desired.

[ 1 RECLINING CHAIR ASSEMBLY William P. Taylor, Glencoe, 111.

[73] Assignee: Burris Industries, Incorporated,

Lincolnton, NC.

[22] Filed: Nov. 9, 1973 [21] App]. No.: 414,594

[75] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 297/68; 297/349; 297/440 [51] Int. Cl. A47c 1/32 [58] Fieldof Search 297/68, 83, 84, 85, 75, 297/88, 89, 340, 349, 422, 441, 440,DIG. 2, DIG. 7

[56) References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,480,552 8/1949 Colvez297/440 X 2.906.318 9/1959 Schliephacke 297/85 2,936,819 5/1960 Dubeck297/88 3,065,989 11/1962 Mohler 297/88 3,100,668 8/1963 Rogers 297/75 X3,226,155 12/1965 Whiteford... 297/85 3,300,244 1/1967 Hughes 297/893,572,820 3/1971 Ferguson 297/84 3,582,135 6/1971 Fletcher 297/853.655.239 4/1972 Agosti 297/440 3,759,571 9/1973 Korch 297/440 PrimaryEraminer-Francis K. Zugel Attorney, Agent, or FirmWilliam E. Mouzavires[57] ABSTRACT In a reclining chair having a seat and a backrest and 1 1June 24, 1975 linkage means for moving the seat and backrest be tweennormal upright and inclined reclining positions; a main frame having agenerally box-like configuration for supporting while facilitatingassembly of the chair. During assembly, the linkage means is cradled inthe box-like frame and secured thereto by means of apertures preformedin the side walls of the frame to be aligned with specific fasteningareas on the linkage means. To facilitate such alignment of theapertures as well as to support the linkage in the frame duringsecurement thereto, a plurality of abutments are formed on the innersides of the frame side walls for receiving and accurately locating thelinkage during assembly. The arm rests for the chair are mounted to theopposite sides of the frame by means of a second set of preformedapertures in the side walls of the frame adapted to be aligned withpreformed apetures in the arm rests. To accommodate a swivel assembly,the frame is provided with a horizontal bottom wall extending betweenthe side walls for securing the swivel thereto. At least one opening isprovided in the bottom wall to provide access to the frame side wallsand the linkage during assembly. In the event a swivel is not desired,the chair may be supported on the ground either through the main frameor through glide members formed on the undersides of the arm rests.Preferably, the frame is formed with an integral molded plasticconstruction, however, a wood construction may be employed if desired.

28 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTED JUN 24 I975 SHEET SHEET PATENTEDJUN 24 ms Hil RECLINING CHAIR ASSEMBLY OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Thepresent invention relates to reclining chairs of the type having a seatand a backrest and a linkage means for supporting and moving thembetween a normal generally upright position and a plurality of inclinedreclining positions. Such a chair may also have an extendable andretractable foot rest as well as an extendable and retractable secondarybackrest; however,

the invention need not be limited to such.

More specifically, the present invention relates to an improvedconstruction for such a chair as well as a method of assembling thevarious parts thereof during manufacture.

One of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide anovel construction for a reclining chair of the type aforedescribedwhich highly facilitates assembly on a mass production basis duringmanufacture without sacrificing chair support or modern day stylingrequirements. Included herein is the provision ofa new and. improvedmethod for assembling such a chair.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a recliningchair construction which is highly versatile for use with variousdesigns including modern day low profile designs as well as varioustypes of linkage systems employed for mounting and moving various partsof the chair. Included herein is the provision of such a chair which mayincorporate an extendable and retractable foot rest and/or secondarybackrests or headrests some times referred to in industry as pop-upheadrests. Further included herein is the provision of such a chairconstruction which may incorporate a swivel base.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a novelchair construction and method of assembly which may utilizeprefabricated parts such as armrests, backrests, and headrests which maybe premolded or otherwise fabricated as separate items for subsequentattachment to the chair on a mass assembly basis.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a novelbase frame which highly facilitates assembly of various chair partsduring manufacture while also providing basic chair support in thefinished chair for the various parts thereof. Included herein is theprovision of such a base frame which may be employed to accuratelylocate and secure the associated chair linkage to highly facilitateassembly during manufacture as well as to provide effective chairsupport and operation of the linkage system during use of the chair.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The above and other objects are achieved inconnection with a reclining chair having a seat and a backrest andlinkage means for moving the seat and backrest between normal, uprightposition and inclined, reclining positions. If desired, the chair mayhave an extendable and retractable footrest movable through the lowerforward portion of the chair and a secondary backrest or headrestsometimes referred to as a pop-up in industry.

In summary, the present invention provides a main frame, preferablymolded from plastic, having a generally box-like configuration forfacilitating assembly of the chair during manufacture and for ultimatelyproviding main support for the various parts of the finished chair.During assembly, the linkage system is cradled in the frame and securedthereto by means of any suitable fasteners extending through aperturespreferably preformed in the side walls of the frame to be aligned withspecific fastening areas on the linkage means. To facilitate suchalignment of the apertures as well as to support the linkage in theframe during securement thereto, a plurality of abutments are formed onthe inner sides of the frame side walls for receiving and accuratelylocating the linkage during such assembly. Any suitable fastenersreceived in the aligned apertures may be employed for securing thelinkage to the frame side walls.

Armrests for the chair are mounted to the opposite sides of the frame bymeans of a second set of preformed apertures in the side walls of theframe adapted to be alignedwith preformed apertures in the armrests. Anysuitable fasteners such as bolts 0r screws received through the alignedapertures and into lock nuts fixed to the arm rest may be employed tocomplete the se curement.

To accommodate a swivel assembly if such is desired, the frame isprovided with a horizontal bottom wall extending between the side Wallsfor securing the swivel thereto. At least one large opening is providedin the bottom wall to provide access to the frame side walls and thelinkage during assembly. In one specific preferred embodiment, two suchaccess openings are provided in the horizontal bottom wall. In the eventa swivel is not desired, the chair may be supported on the ground eitherthrough the main frame or through glide members formed or attached onthe undersides of the armrests.

Preferably, the frame is formed with an integral molded plasticconstruction, however, a wood metal construction may be employed, ifdesired. Furthermore, while in one specific preferred embodiment,preformed apertures are provided at predetermined locations in the framefor fastening the linkage and the armrests thereto. It should beapparent that instead of apertures, premarked fastening areas ofsuitable indicia may be provided-for locating the linkage and armrestsin the proper fastening position relative to the frame and forindicating where the fasteners should be secured to the frame.

To complete assembly of the chair, the backrest in one preferredembodiment, is connected to rear portions of the linkage assembly. Incases where an extendable and retractable footrest is desired, such willbe connected to the front portions of the linkage unit and the openfront end of the base frame will easily accommodate the same withoutsacrificing a low profile design.

DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following more de tailed description taken inconjunction with the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view ofa reclining chair assemblyembodying and constructed and assembled, in accordance with the presentinvention, with portions of an associated linkage unit shown in phantomand with other portions removed, and also with an extendable andretractable footrest removed for clarity purposes;

through the base frame after the linkage unit has been secured theretoand with parts removed as in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings in detail, there isshown for illustrative pruposes only, a reclining chair assembly constrcted and assembled in accordance with the present invention. Basicallyincluded in the chair, is a base frame generally designated inaccordance with the present invention, a linkage system generallydesignated 12 for moving a seat (not entirely shown) and a backrestgenerally designated 16 between a normal, upright position generallyillustrated in FIG. 1 and a plurality of inclined, reclining positionswherein the backrest 16 extends rearwardly at an angle to the seat inwell-known manner. The seat includes a cushion (not shown) mounted onrails or seat links 14 which, in turn, are pivotally mounted withrespect to anchoring or stationary mounting links generally designated31 which, in turn, are fastened to base frame 10 as will be furtherdescribed subsequently. The chair may or may not include a secondarybackrest or headrest sometimes referred to as a pop-up 17 adapted tonormally lie behind backrest 16 when the chair is in the upright ornormal position and to project upwardly beyond backrest 16 to supportthe head and upper back portions when the backrest is moved into aninclined position for reclining. In the specific embodiment shown,backrest 16 is connected to rear portions shown as V-shaped links 32 ofthe linkage unit while secondary backrest 17 is connected to rearportions 34 of the linkage unit.

Although not shown, the chair may incorporate an extendable andretractable footrest movable through the lower front of the chair inwell-known fashion. The footrest is supported through a footrest linkage34 and 36 included in the linkage system to be extendable upon recliningmovement of the chair or, in the alternative, a hand-actuating lever(not shown) may be incorporated into the chair for actuation of thefootrest. In order to move the backrest into reclining position, thechair occupant merely exerts pressure rearwardly on the backrest causingthe seat links 14 to pivot relative to stationary links 30 while causingthe backrest to pivot rearwardly relative to the seat links 14 and thestationary links 30 in well-known manner. It whould be understood thatthe present invention may be employed in conjunction with any suitableor conventional linkage mechanisms and that the linkage mechanism per seincluding the operation thereof, forms no part of the present invention.

In accordance with the present invention, a novel base frame 10 isprovided for facilitating accurate and rapid assembly of the variouschair parts, particularly the mounting of the linkage system and thearmrests while, at the same time, providing basic chair support for thevarious parts and ensuring smooth operation of the linkage during chairuse. In the specific embodiment shown, base rame 10 includes oppositegenerally parallel vertical side walls 40 interconnected in the rear bya vertical end wall 42. Between side walls '40 at the bottom thereof,extends a horizontal bottom wall 46 starting at an intermediatelypositioned forward edge and terminating at rear wall 42 to which isjoined. Base frame 10 has a generally box-like configuration in thespecific embodiment with the forward end thereof between side walls 40being open as clearly illustrated in FIG. 1. It will additionally benoted that in the specific embodiment shown, the upper edge of sidewalls 40 extend rearwardly and downwardly at a gradual incline in theirforward ends and the rise in the rearward direction at their rearportions adjacent end wall 42. This configuration corresponds to theshape and position of certain portions of the linkage assembly andparticularly seat links 14 when the linkage is mounted in the base frameas will be described.

In the preferred embodiment, base frame 10 is molded from plastic as anintegral generally rigid structure. Any suitable commercially availableplastic of -ufficient strength may be employed for this purpose.Alternatively, base frame 10 may obviously be made from wood or sheetsteel or other metal if desired. In one commercial embodiment, thevarious walls of base frame 10 may be made with a thickness of incheswhile the overall width between outside surfaces of side walls 40 is 24inches. The greatest depth dimension of side walls 40 in this embodimentis l0 inches while the overall length of the frame is 30 inches with thebottom wall 46 being recessed from the forward ends of the side walls 40a distance of l l /8 inches. This particular dimensioning will enableuse in connection with standard or conventional linkage systemspresently being marketed today in the United States. However, it shouldbe obvious that for different linkage systems of different dimensions,the dimensions of the base frame 10 may be varied accordingly.

As noted above, the entire linkage system is suspended from base frame10 by means of stationary mounting links 31 positioned on opposite sidesof the linkage system. In the preferred embodiment, stationary mountinglinks 31 have preformed therein a plurality of apertures 31 clearlyshown in FIG. I for accommodating fasteners to secure the same relativeto side walls 40 of the base frame. Side walls 40 of the base frame arealso preferably provided with a first set of preformed apertures 48positioned at predetermined locations so as to align with apertures 31in mounting links 30 when the two parts are properly positioned relativeto each other. In order to facilitate such positioning of these parts,abutment means are provided on base frame 10 which, in the specificembodiment shown, take the form of a plurality of individual abutments55 which project inwardly from the inner surfaces of side walls 40 asclearly shown in FIG. 1 and 3. During assembly, the linkage system isplaced through the top of base frame 10 with the bottom edges ofstationary mounting links 31 engaged on the upper surfaces abutments 55.From FIG. 3 it will be noted that for the specific linkage shown, thefirst three abutments 55 have their upper surfaces in a commonhorizontal plane corresponding to the lower edge of stationary mountinglink 30. However,-the rear portions 30a of stationary mounting link 30in the specific embodiment, extend upwardly and rearwardly at an inclineand hence the rearmost abutments 55a extend above the forward abutments55 with the upper surface of rear abutments 55a extending at an inclineso as to receive in flush engagement the rear lower surface portions ofmounting link portions 30a as shown in FIG. 3.

When stationary mounting links 30 are properly engaged on abutments 55,55a apertures 48 in side walls 40 of base frame will be aligned withapertures 31 in stationary mounting links 30. While supported in thisposition, suitable fastening means may easily be inserted throughapertures 48 and 31 to ridgidly secure stationary mounting links to sidewalls of base frame 10.

In order to secure armrests 18 to side walls 40 of base frame 10, asecond set of preformed apertures are preferably formed in side walls 40at predetermined locations to align with corresponding apertures 19preformed in the armrest 18. Referring to FIG. 2, any suitable fastenerssuch as bolts may be employed to secure armrests 18 to side walls 40 ofbase frame 10. Suitable lock nuts 62 may be provided in armrests 18fixed around apertures 19 thereof to receive bolts 60 to rigidly securearmrests 18 to side walls 40. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG.2, the lower inner surface portions of armrests 18 are recessed inwardlyto receive side walls 40 in flush surface-tosurface contact to minimizeprojection of side walls 40 from the inner surfaces of armrests 18.

In addition to providing reinforcement for base frame 10, bottom wall 46thereof also serves as a means for mounting a base swivel assemblygenerally designated 20 in the event a swivel chair is desired. Swivel20 may have any suitable conventional construction, including aball-bearing allowing the chair to swivel about a vertical axis inwell-known fashion; it being understood that the swivel assembly per seforms no part of the present invention. Swivel assembly includes anupper mounting plate 21 having apertures 23 in the four corners thereofthrough which fasteners may be employed to secure it to bottom wall 46of base frame 10 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In situations where thechair will not include a swivel assembly, the chair may be supported onthe ground through means of suitable glides formed on the bottom of baseframe 40 and/or the bottom of armrests 18. In FIG. 1, the left-handarmrest 18 is shown with such a glide 80.

In order to provide access to the linkage system and the base frame sidewalls and other portions of the chair during assembly, access aperturesare provided in the bottom wall 46. In the specific embodiment shown,two such apertures are provided.

As noted above, backrest 16 is mounted to V-shaped links 32 by means ofsuitable fasteners; with links 32 being in turn pivotally connected toseat links 14. If desired, backrest 16 may also be made as a molded itemwith preformed apertures 16a to facilitate assembly to the linkagesystem.

Although the base frame 10 has been disclosed as incorporating preformedapertures 48 and 50, if desired, in place of apertures, suitable indiciamay be employed in the event it is desired to utilize self-tapping orelfaperture-forming fasteners. However, it should be clearly understoodthat the use of preformed apertures is the preferred mode of practicingthe invention and, in any event, should be viewed as the equivalent ofutilizing predetermined indicia at predetermined locations on the baseframe 10 to indicate proper alignment with apertures in mounting link 30and in armrests 18.

It should further be understood that although armrests 18 have beendisclosed above as being premolded, they as well as other parts of thechair including backrest 16 may be made with a conventional constructionincluding a wood frame and upholstery.

It will be seen that the present invention in addition to facilitatingassembly does not permit faulty alignment of the linkage system with thebase frame. This not only ensures accurate assembly but also ensuresproper operation of the linkage mechanism over long periods of repeateduse. The present invention also ensures product uniformity whileminimizing the heretofore required dimensional tolerances for thevarious chair parts.

What is claimed is:

l. A reclining chair assembly comprising in combination, a seat, abackrest, and linkage means for supporting and moving the seat andbackrest relative to each other between a normal or upright position anda inclined reclining position, a main frame for supporting the linkagemeans, said main frame including opposite sides and a cross pieceinterconnecting said sides, said sides having preformed aperturestherein located. at predetermined locations for securing said linkagemeans relative thereto, said linkage means having fastening areasadapted to be aligned with said apertures in said sides of the mainframe, said linkage means including a pair of mounting links to berigidly secured to the opposite sides of the frame respectively, saidmain frame further including abutments for supporting and locating saidlinkage means on the frame prior to securement thereto with saidfastening areas aligned with said apertures in said sides of the mainframe, said abutments projecting inwardly from inner surfaces of theopposite sides of said frame at elevations spaced below top surfaceportions of the frame to receive and position the mounting links belowthe top surfaces of the frame, said sides of the main frame furtherincluding a second number of apertures for securing arm rests thereto,and wherein there is further included a pair of arm rests adapted to besecured to said sides of the main frame through said second number ofapertures therein.

2. The reclining chair assembly defined in claim 1 wherein said mainframe including said abutments has a molded integral plasticconstruction.

3. The reclining chair assembly defined in claim 2 wherein said crosspiece of the main frame extends across the rear end of the main frameand wherein there is further included a second cross piece extending ina horizontal plane between the sides at the bottom of the frame, andwherein the front end of the frame opposite the first cross piece isopen so that the main frame has a generally U-shaped configuration andwherein the opposite sides of the frame and the first defined crosspiece of the frame extend in vertical planes so that the frame isgenerally box-like in configuration.

4. The reclining chair assembly defined in claim 3 wherein said secondcross piece at the bottom of the frame has at least one large openingproviding access to the linkage means and frame during assembly.

5. The reclining chair assembly defined in claim 4 wherein said armrests are upholstered and have a plurality of apertures adapted to bealigned with said second number of apertures in the main frame forfastening the arm rests to the main frame by fastening means throughsaid apertures.

6. The reclining chair assembly defined in claim 4 wherein the assemblyfurther includes a swivel adapted to be mounted to said second crosspiece to mount the entire chair for rotational movement about a verticalaxis.

7. For use in a reclining chair having a seat and a backrest and alinkage means for moving said seat and backrest relative to each otherbetween a normal upright position and an inclined reclining position; amain frame for mounting and supporting the linkage means comprisingopposite generally parallel side members and a cross memberinterconnecting said side mem bers, said side members having a pluralityof preformed apertures therein for receiving fasteners for securing thelinkage means thereto during assembly, said frame further havingabutment means projecting inwardly from said side members for supportingand locating the linkage means in position relative to said frame priorto securing said linkage means to said side members through means ofsaid apertures and wherein said frame including said abutment means havean integral molded plastic construction.

8. The main frame defined in claim 7 wherein said cross piece extendsacross one of the ends of the frame between said side members andwherein the opposite end of frame between said side members is open sothat the main frame has a generally U-shaped appearance.-

9. The main frame defined in claim 8 wherein said cross members extendin vertical planes so that the frame has a generally box-likeappearance.

10. The main frame defined in claim 9 further including a second crossmember extending between said side members at the bottom thereof andintermediate the opposite ends of the frame for securing swivel assemblythereto.

11. The main frame defined in claim 10 wherein said second cross memberhas a large opening therein for providing access to the side members ofthe frame and an associated linkage means during assembly.

12. For use in a reclining chair having a seat, a backrest, and alinkage means for moving said seat and backrest relative to each otherbetween a normal upright position and an inclined reclining position; amain frame for mounting and supporting the linkage means comprising,opposite generally parallel side walls extending in a vertical plane andan end wall extending in a generally vertical plane interconnecting oneof the ends of said side walls with the opposite end of the framebetween said side walls being open so that the frame has a generallyU-shaped box-like configuration, said side walls having a plurality ofpreformed apertures located in predetermined positions for receivingfasteners securing the linkage means to the frame during assembly, saidside walls further having areas for attaching arm rests thereto andwherein said side walls at the rear end thereof have rearwardly raisedinclined portions for conforming to the configuration of the linkagemeans to be associated therewith and wherein the frame includes abutmentmeans for positioning the associated linkage means along inner surfacesof the side walls of the frame.

13. The frame defined in claim 12 further including a bottom wallextending in a generally horizontal plane between the side walls forsecuring a swivel to the frame while also lending additional strength tothe frame.

14. The frame defined in claim 13 wherein said bottom wall has at leastone opening therein providing access from the bottom to the side wallsand an associated linkage means during assembly.

15. The main frame defined in claim 14 wherein said bottom wall extendsfrom an intermediate area of the frame to the first cross member at oneend of the frame.

16. The main frame defined in claim 15 having a molded integral plasticconstruction.

17. The main frame defined in claim 16 wherein said areas on said sidewalls for attaching arm rests thereto include preformed apertures.

18. For use in a reclining chair having a seat, a backrest, and alinkage means for moving said seat and backrest relative to each otherbetween a normal upright position and an inclined reclining position; amain frame for mounting and supporting the linkage means comprising,opposite generally parallel side walls extending in a vertical plane,and a cross piece interconnecting said side walls and being rigidlysecured thereto, said side walls having a plurality of indicia atpredetermined locations thereon for receiving fasteners for. securingthe linkage means to the frame during assembly, and said side wallshaving a second set of indicia thereon at predetermined locationsthereon for receiving fasteners for securing armrests to the side wallsduring assembly and wherein said side walls have abutment means forsupporting the linkage in said frame during assembly and for aligningsaid first set of indicia with apertures in the linkage means formounting the linkage means to said side walls during assembly, saidabutment means projecting inwardly from the inner surfaces of the sidewalls of the frame.

19. The main frame defined in claim 18 wherein the space between forwardportions of said side walls is open so that the frame has a generalU-shaped configu: ration.

20. The main frame defined in claim 19 wherein said cross piece is arear vertical wall interconnecting rear end portions of said side wallsand wherein there is further included a bottom wall extendinghorizontally between said side walls from a point intermediate the endsof said side walls towards the rear vertical wall.

21. The reclining chair assembly defined in claim 1 wherein the sides ofthe frame have upper rear portions extending upwardly in the rearwarddirection at an incline to conform to the orientation of said mountinglinks, said mounting links having rear portions extending upwardly at anincline against inner surfaces of said upper rear portions of the sidesof the frame.

22. The reclining chair assembly defined in claim 21 wherein saidabutments include a first pair of abutments projecting inwardly frominner surfaces of said upper rear portions of the sides of the frame atan elevation higher than the elevation of other abutments positioned onthe sides of the frame forwardly of said first pair such that when themounting links are properly engaged on said abutments the mounting linkswill be properly positioned relative to the frame with the fasteningareas of the linkage means aligned with the preformed apertures in saidframe.

23. The main frame defined in claim 7 wherein said abutment meansincludes a first pair of opposite abutment surfaces respectively locatedat intermediate portions of said side members of the frame and a secondpair of abutment surfaces located on rear portions of said side membersof said frame at an elevation higher than the elevation of said firstpair of abutment surfaces for engaging rear portions of the linkagemeans, the location and orientation of said abutment surfaces being suchthat when the linkage means properly rests thereon the linkage meanswill be in proper position relative to the frame.

24. The main frame defined in claim 11 further including a first pair ofabutments projecting inwardly from inner surfaces of the side walls ofthe frame at a location intermediate the ends of the side walls and asecond pair of abutments projecting inwardly from inner surfaces of therearwardly raised inclined portions of the side walls, the elevation ofsaid second pair of abutments being higher than that of said first pairsuch than when the associated linkage means is engaged on said first andsecond pairs of abutments, the linkage means will be in proper positionrelative to the frame for securement thereto.

25. The main frame defined in claim 18 wherein said abutment meansincludes means includes a first pair of abutments located intermediatesaid side walls of the frame and a second pair of abutments located onrear portions of said side walls at an elevation higher than the firstpair of abutments such that when the associated linkage means is engagedon said first and second pair of abutments, the linkage means will beproperly positioned relative to the frame for securement thereto.

26. The main frame defined in claim 25 wherein the rear portions of theside members of the frame extend upwardly and rearwardly at an inclineto conform to the orientation of portions of the linkage means.

27. The main frame defined in claim 26 wherein said second pair ofabutments have upper abutment surfaces extending rearwardly and upwardlyat an incline to conform to the orientation of portions of theassociated linkage means.

28. The main frame defined in claim 12 wherein the distance between theopposite side walls of the frame is approximately 24 inches and whereinthe depth of the side walls at said rearwardly raised inclined portionis approximately 10 inches.

1. A reclining chair assembly comprising in combination, a seat, abackrest, and linkage means for supporting and moving the seat andbackrest relative to each other betWeen a normal or upright position anda inclined reclining position, a main frame for supporting the linkagemeans, said main frame including opposite sides and a cross pieceinterconnecting said sides, said sides having preformed aperturestherein located at predetermined locations for securing said linkagemeans relative thereto, said linkage means having fastening areasadapted to be aligned with said apertures in said sides of the mainframe, said linkage means including a pair of mounting links to berigidly secured to the opposite sides of the frame respectively, saidmain frame further including abutments for supporting and locating saidlinkage means on the frame prior to securement thereto with saidfastening areas aligned with said apertures in said sides of the mainframe, said abutments projecting inwardly from inner surfaces of theopposite sides of said frame at elevations spaced below top surfaceportions of the frame to receive and position the mounting links belowthe top surfaces of the frame, said sides of the main frame furtherincluding a second number of apertures for securing arm rests thereto,and wherein there is further included a pair of arm rests adapted to besecured to said sides of the main frame through said second number ofapertures therein.
 2. The reclining chair assembly defined in claim 1wherein said main frame including said abutments has a molded integralplastic construction.
 3. The reclining chair assembly defined in claim 2wherein said cross piece of the main frame extends across the rear endof the main frame and wherein there is further included a second crosspiece extending in a horizontal plane between the sides at the bottom ofthe frame, and wherein the front end of the frame opposite the firstcross piece is open so that the main frame has a generally U-shapedconfiguration and wherein the opposite sides of the frame and the firstdefined cross piece of the frame extend in vertical planes so that theframe is generally box-like in configuration.
 4. The reclining chairassembly defined in claim 3 wherein said second cross piece at thebottom of the frame has at least one large opening providing access tothe linkage means and frame during assembly.
 5. The reclining chairassembly defined in claim 4 wherein said arm rests are upholstered andhave a plurality of apertures adapted to be aligned with said secondnumber of apertures in the main frame for fastening the arm rests to themain frame by fastening means through said apertures.
 6. The recliningchair assembly defined in claim 4 wherein the assembly further includesa swivel adapted to be mounted to said second cross piece to mount theentire chair for rotational movement about a vertical axis.
 7. For usein a reclining chair having a seat and a backrest and a linkage meansfor moving said seat and backrest relative to each other between anormal upright position and an inclined reclining position; a main framefor mounting and supporting the linkage means comprising oppositegenerally parallel side members and a cross member interconnecting saidside members, said side members having a plurality of preformedapertures therein for receiving fasteners for securing the linkage meansthereto during assembly, said frame further having abutment meansprojecting inwardly from said side members for supporting and locatingthe linkage means in position relative to said frame prior to securingsaid linkage means to said side members through means of said aperturesand wherein said frame including said abutment means have an integralmolded plastic construction.
 8. The main frame defined in claim 7wherein said cross piece extends across one of the ends of the framebetween said side members and wherein the opposite end of frame betweensaid side members is open so that the main frame has a generallyU-shaped appearance.
 9. The main frame defined in claim 8 wherein saidcross members extend in vertical planes so that the frame has agenerally box-like appearance.
 10. The main frame defined in claim 9further including a second cross member extending between said sidemembers at the bottom thereof and intermediate the opposite ends of theframe for securing swivel assembly thereto.
 11. The main frame definedin claim 10 wherein said second cross member has a large opening thereinfor providing access to the side members of the frame and an associatedlinkage means during assembly.
 12. For use in a reclining chair having aseat, a backrest, and a linkage means for moving said seat and backrestrelative to each other between a normal upright position and an inclinedreclining position; a main frame for mounting and supporting the linkagemeans comprising, opposite generally parallel side walls extending in avertical plane and an end wall extending in a generally vertical planeinterconnecting one of the ends of said side walls with the opposite endof the frame between said side walls being open so that the frame has agenerally U-shaped box-like configuration, said side walls having aplurality of preformed apertures located in predetermined positions forreceiving fasteners securing the linkage means to the frame duringassembly, said side walls further having areas for attaching arm reststhereto and wherein said side walls at the rear end thereof haverearwardly raised inclined portions for conforming to the configurationof the linkage means to be associated therewith and wherein the frameincludes abutment means for positioning the associated linkage meansalong inner surfaces of the side walls of the frame.
 13. The framedefined in claim 12 further including a bottom wall extending in agenerally horizontal plane between the side walls for securing a swivelto the frame while also lending additional strength to the frame. 14.The frame defined in claim 13 wherein said bottom wall has at least oneopening therein providing access from the bottom to the side walls andan associated linkage means during assembly.
 15. The main frame definedin claim 14 wherein said bottom wall extends from an intermediate areaof the frame to the first cross member at one end of the frame.
 16. Themain frame defined in claim 15 having a molded integral plasticconstruction.
 17. The main frame defined in claim 16 wherein said areason said side walls for attaching arm rests thereto include preformedapertures.
 18. For use in a reclining chair having a seat, a backrest,and a linkage means for moving said seat and backrest relative to eachother between a normal upright position and an inclined recliningposition; a main frame for mounting and supporting the linkage meanscomprising, opposite generally parallel side walls extending in avertical plane, and a cross piece interconnecting said side walls andbeing rigidly secured thereto, said side walls having a plurality ofindicia at predetermined locations thereon for receiving fasteners forsecuring the linkage means to the frame during assembly, and said sidewalls having a second set of indicia thereon at predetermined locationsthereon for receiving fasteners for securing armrests to the side wallsduring assembly and wherein said side walls have abutment means forsupporting the linkage in said frame during assembly and for aligningsaid first set of indicia with apertures in the linkage means formounting the linkage means to said side walls during assembly, saidabutment means projecting inwardly from the inner surfaces of the sidewalls of the frame.
 19. The main frame defined in claim 18 wherein thespace between forward portions of said side walls is open so that theframe has a general U-shaped configuration.
 20. The main frame definedin claim 19 wherein said cross piece is a rear vertical wallinterconnecting rear end portions of said side walls and wherein thereis further included a bottom wall extending horizontally between saidside walls from a point intermediate the ends of said side walls towardsthE rear vertical wall.
 21. The reclining chair assembly defined inclaim 1 wherein the sides of the frame have upper rear portionsextending upwardly in the rearward direction at an incline to conform tothe orientation of said mounting links, said mounting links having rearportions extending upwardly at an incline against inner surfaces of saidupper rear portions of the sides of the frame.
 22. The reclining chairassembly defined in claim 21 wherein said abutments include a first pairof abutments projecting inwardly from inner surfaces of said upper rearportions of the sides of the frame at an elevation higher than theelevation of other abutments positioned on the sides of the frameforwardly of said first pair such that when the mounting links areproperly engaged on said abutments the mounting links will be properlypositioned relative to the frame with the fastening areas of the linkagemeans aligned with the preformed apertures in said frame.
 23. The mainframe defined in claim 7 wherein said abutment means includes a firstpair of opposite abutment surfaces respectively located at intermediateportions of said side members of the frame and a second pair of abutmentsurfaces located on rear portions of said side members of said frame atan elevation higher than the elevation of said first pair of abutmentsurfaces for engaging rear portions of the linkage means, the locationand orientation of said abutment surfaces being such that when thelinkage means properly rests thereon the linkage means will be in properposition relative to the frame.
 24. The main frame defined in claim 11further including a first pair of abutments projecting inwardly frominner surfaces of the side walls of the frame at a location intermediatethe ends of the side walls and a second pair of abutments projectinginwardly from inner surfaces of the rearwardly raised inclined portionsof the side walls, the elevation of said second pair of abutments beinghigher than that of said first pair such than when the associatedlinkage means is engaged on said first and second pairs of abutments,the linkage means will be in proper position relative to the frame forsecurement thereto.
 25. The main frame defined in claim 18 wherein saidabutment means includes means includes a first pair of abutments locatedintermediate said side walls of the frame and a second pair of abutmentslocated on rear portions of said side walls at an elevation higher thanthe first pair of abutments such that when the associated linkage meansis engaged on said first and second pair of abutments, the linkage meanswill be properly positioned relative to the frame for securementthereto.
 26. The main frame defined in claim 25 wherein the rearportions of the side members of the frame extend upwardly and rearwardlyat an incline to conform to the orientation of portions of the linkagemeans.
 27. The main frame defined in claim 26 wherein said second pairof abutments have upper abutment surfaces extending rearwardly andupwardly at an incline to conform to the orientation of portions of theassociated linkage means.
 28. The main frame defined in claim 12 whereinthe distance between the opposite side walls of the frame isapproximately 24 inches and wherein the depth of the side walls at saidrearwardly raised inclined portion is approximately 10 inches.